Weight Loss Surgery

Robin Mathieu

“Over the years, I tried every diet imaginable, but I always gained the weight back,” said 54-year old Robin Mathieu, a Tinley Park resident. “Then one day when I was standing on my scale, I hit a wall when it read that I was 250 pounds. Feeling frustrated from not being able to lose weight, I thought maybe weight loss surgery was the best option for me. I attended a weight loss surgery informational seminar at Silver Cross Hospital to see if I was a candidate.” Fortunately, Robin's health has greatly improved since her REALIZE gastric band system weight loss surgery at Silver Cross Hospital in May 2008.

Not only does she feel wonderful physically, Mathieu can now enjoy her life more fully. “For years I couldn’t even walk short distances. When we visited relatives in Leadville, Colorado I could hardly breathe due to how the high altitude affected my overweight body,” said Mathieu. “Now after my weight loss surgery, I’m more on the go and take long hikes during our trips to Colorado. I am now living a more fun and energetic life.”

Robin was motivated after attending the first educational seminar. “Dr. Lahmann explained how difficult it was for my body to lose weight, since my metabolism was so out of sync due to a lifetime of dieting and large weight gain. I then felt that bariatric surgery was a good choice for me to not only lose the weight, but keep it off.”

A few weeks after surgery, Robin attended the hospital’s bariatric support group. “I gained a great deal of support from the others who had the same weight issues as me. We really help each other stay motivated and realistic on how to maintain a healthy weight.”

Every month, dozens of patients get together to hear from a variety of experts on behavior modification, lifestyle and relationship issues. There is even opportunities to exchange recipes and swap clothes with others who are at different points in their weight loss journey. The comprehensive program also includes pre-and post-operative educational seminars with the surgeons and other bariatric specialists.

Robin says "You must be ready to commit to the work. It is a daily challenge, but my life has improved so much. I couldn't have found a better program. Dr. Lahmann and the nurses at Silver Cross were always sincerely concerned about how I was doing."

*Physicians on Silver Cross Hospital’s Medical Staff have expertise in their areas of practice to meet the needs of patients seeking their care. These physicians are independent practitioners on the Medical Staff and are not the agents or employees of Silver Cross Hospital. They treat patients based upon their independent medical judgment and they bill patients separately for their services.

AAHCP Hospital of Choice

* Physicians on Silver Cross Hospital’s Medical Staff have expertise in their areas of practice to meet the needs of patients seeking their care. These physicians are independent practitioners on the Medical Staff and are not the agents or employees of Silver Cross Hospital. They treat patients based upon their independent medical judgment and they bill patients separately for their services.